Located in the center of Mexico, Teotihuacan was the ancient capital city of the Aztecs and dates back to the first century A.D. The city functioned for centuries as an agricultural and well-developed urban center until its fall in the seventh century. The first excavations of Teotihuacan were carried out in 1917 by Manuel Gamio, with The Feathered Serpent Pyramid being one of the first excavated buildings under his archaeological project. The Feathered Serpent Pyramid had a sacrificial grave complex containing elite burials of at least 200 individuals, with rich offerings found within the graves. After years of excavations, about 137 individuals in 25 graves have been found.
Zona Arqueologica de Teotihuacan
Carretera México-Teotihuacan Km. 46
San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico 55800
+52-5-956-0052
mexperience.com
Lying on a limestone plateau in the state of Yucatan, Chichen Itza is a Mayan city established as the religious center of the Yucatan region. The most astonishing building that remains of this ceremonial city is the Kukulkan Pyramid. This pyramid has a square base and a flight of stairs that rises 75 feet in height. The pyramid was built in order to herald both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, where the sunlight washes down the western balustrade of the pyramid's stairway. This phenomenon generates seven triangles of light that mimic the body of a serpent, ending at the base of the stairway, where a serpent's head made out of carved stone lies. It is believed that this pyramid was created in order to worship and perform agricultural rituals and ceremonies.
Zona Arqueologica de Chichen Itza
Km 120 Carretera Merida-Cancun
Tinum, Yucatan 97750
+52-985-851-0137
chichenitza.com
The Mayan ruins of Palenque date back to 100 B.C. and were discovered by the Spanish in the late 18th century. It is located in the state of Chiapas and is the western edge of the Mayan empire, rising 9,800 feet above sea level. Nestled in a thick forest of cedar, mahogany and sapodilla trees, one of the main buildings of Palenque is its palace, commissioned by Pacal, ruler of Palenque in 603 A.D. The Palace shows carvings of gods, rulers and ceremonies. The interior consists of rooms with courts that overlook the four-story observatory square tower. Running water ran through a long, vaulted tunnel underneath the Palace. The Pyramid of Inscriptions, also commissioned by ruler Pacal, became the ruler's resting place when he died at the age of 80. Pacal's sarcophagus contained a grand offering of hand-carved jade.
Oficina de Turismo en Palenque
Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico 29960
+52-916-345-0356
sacred-destinations.com
